Eryn Arrington, left, and Heather Coleman, both members of 4-H, were among the participants in Turning the Tide on Poverty, a program designed to help overcome the problems of poverty in Tensas Parish. (Photo by Mary Ann Van Osdell. Click on photo for downloadable image.)

News Release Distributed 03/25/10

ST. JOSEPH, La. – Tensas Parish study circles will be turning talk into action following the results of a project focused on turning the tide on poverty, which was presented to the Tensas Revitalization Alliance March 23.

Tensas Parish is one of eight parishes and counties in five states participating in a pilot program aimed at reducing poverty, said Cynthia Pilcher, LSU AgCenter community rural development agent. The parish was chosen because of its high poverty rate and significant associated problems, she explained.

The Tensas Revitalization Alliance is a nonprofit organization that promotes economic development in the parish, including a farmers market. The parish has high unemployment, and 37 percent of residents live below the poverty level with only about 50 percent completing high school or high school equivalency.

“The study circle approach is a community decision-making process that can be used to address any community issues,” Pilcher said. “This approach allows an entire community to come together to walk through a guided process leading to solutions that best fit their own community needs and interests.”

A diverse group of 10 people, mostly youth, met in study circles for five two-hour sessions during February.

“They shared their experiences, listened to one another and built the kind of trust that is necessary for long-term change,” Pilcher said. “The kids poured out their hearts in these conversations.”

The group first came up with a common vision – to get residents involved and unified to address education, service and camaraderie. Their action ideas included raising money for a cause, a community mentoring program and creating a family-oriented festival.

Pilcher said the group settled on three priority projects – an opportunity fair in conjunction with the school system, collaboration with an existing event (farmers market, community barbecue or music festival) and support for the local food pantry.

The group viewed barriers to success in the parish as lack of employment, poor infrastructure and few recreational activities. They believe poverty can be reduced through better housing, more local businesses, dedicated citizens and local access to legal advice, Pilcher said.

The study circle participants are eager to join with individuals and community organizations to accomplish their projects, Pilcher said.

Heather Coleman, a junior at Tensas High School, said she learned that different people go through different problems in poverty. “We can work together as youth to make this community better,” she said.

“This gave the kids something to do and a way to help the community,” said Zenobia Williams, a member of the alliance.

“They are a positive force that gives us all hope,” added Kathy King, another member.

“We would entertain the idea of new study circles and see the cycle repeat itself over and over in this community,” Pilcher said.

“I congratulate you all on what you’ve done here,” Dwight Landreneau, associate vice chancellor of the LSU AgCenter, told the alliance. He said LSU AgCenter agents are available to assist with its farmers market.

“Turning the Tide on Poverty,” an initiative of the Southern Rural Development Center, is being piloted in five of the southern region’s 13 states. Support for the initiative comes from Everyday Democracy, the Farm Foundation and the Kettering Foundation.

Mary Ann Van Osdell